The concept of THE REPUBLIC first appeared in ancient Rome, where the local provinces sent representatives to the Senate to govern the nation. The head of state in a REPUBLIC was an elected representative, not a MONARCH. The concept was revived in the Constitution of the United States, and many nations of significant size and diverse make-ups have adopted something similar. THE REPUBLIC allowed unprecedented freedom, at least to a significant portion of the citizens, and this in turn often fostered strong economic growth.